China-Japan relations in the post-Koizumi era : a brightening half-decade?
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Asia-Pacific Review
Publication Date
Winter 1-1-2012
Volume
19
Issue
1
First Page
88
Last Page
107
Abstract
The tenure of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2001–2006) was vexing for China-Japan relations. As such, the five years since Koizumi left office, particularly the change in Japan's ruling party, were initially expected, and sometimes perceived, to realize a half-decade of recovery and reconciliation in Sino-Japanese ties. While tensions did decrease, “icebergs” blocking improvement in relations have not completely thawed, and may harden again. Competition for political and economic influences and interests in the same region, concern over one another's future security posture and relations with Taiwan, territorial disputes, misunderstanding about the other's historical sensitivities and feelings of distrust, occasionally manipulated by nationalists, still pervade the relationship. Therefore, though there is mutual desire, indeed a necessity, for cooperation on many issues affecting both countries, this typically couples with a disconcerting or anxious feeling towards the other's intentions that results in competitiveness. There are deep roots to this need/fear complex.
DOI
10.1080/13439006.2012.681887
Print ISSN
13439006
E-ISSN
14692937
Publisher Statement
Copyright © Institute for International Policy Studies
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chung, C.-P. (2012). China-Japan relations in the post-Koizumi era: A brightening half-decade? Asia-Pacific Review, 19(1), 88-107. doi: 10.1080/13439006.2012.681887